DHARAMSHALA, July 20: Kalon Tripa Dr Lobsang Sangay, who is currently in Washington, DC on a lobbying tour, met with several senior US leaders, including Speaker John Boehner over the past few days.

The de facto Tibetan prime minster met with US House Speaker John Boehner on July 19 according to reports. Although details of the meeting are scanty, Speaker Boehner assured Dr Sangay of his belief in “freedom and democracy.”

The same day, Kalon Tripa also met with Maria Otero, Under Secretary Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights and Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues.

The official website of the Dharamshala based Central Tibetan Administration said that the two “discussed humanitarian and human rights issues.”

Under Secretary Otero was appointed Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues on October 1, 2009 by U.S. Secretary of State Hilary Clinton.

Dr Sangay also met with former democrat presidential nominee and the current Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Senator John Kerry (Democrat, Massachusetts).

Arriving Monday evening in the US capital for his five-day lobbying tour, Katri also met Senators Joe Lieberman, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs and John McCain, former republican presidential nominee. The three held discussions for over an hour following which they jointly addressed the press.

Senator Lieberman in his welcoming remark stated that the Kalon Tripa’s visit to the US capital was important as it would “test the conscience of the nation.” Later, on his Twitter page, Senator Lieberman wrote that he was “honored” to have met Dr Sangay, “an impressive international leader” and said they “discussed human rights in Tibet.”

Senator McCain also tweeted a picture of their meeting and wrote that said it was “great seeing my friend Lobsang Sangay, elected representative in exile of Tibetan people - inspiring advocate for his people.”

Dr Sangay, who is on his fourth visit to North America since assuming office in August last, is scheduled to return to India on July 24.

Earlier this month, Kalon Tripa Dr Lobsang Sangay had called on Tibetans and supporters worldwide to organise a global solidarity vigil for Tibet on August 8, coinciding with the one-year anniversary of the present Kashag.

“This international vigil will remember those Tibetans who have given up their lives for Tibet and show solidarity with every Tibetan in Tibet who continues to suffer oppression under Chinese rule.”